YouTube - Jon Summers

You can listen to and check out all sorts of great Motoring Historian content via the Motoring Podcast Network’s YouTube Channel.

The Software Defined Car: The Death of Freedom

Jon Summers (https://motoringpodcast.net/about/personalities/jon-summers/) is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets ...together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel.

John discusses his experiences at two recent presentations on the future of automobility. The first presentation by McKinsey focused on the concept of a 'software-defined vehicle' (SDV) - likening modern vehicles to connected devices similar to smartphones, and outlining six key areas for achieving success in this domain. These areas included hardware simplification, increased collaboration among manufacturers, leveraging cloud infrastructure, and shifting the focus from traditional engineering to software-driven engineering. The second presentation by a company called Aicas emphasized AI's role in achieving interoperability and managing data within the intelligent vehicle edge, highlighting the importance of selectively recording useful data to avoid latency issues. Both presentations indicate an automotive industry pivoting towards making money from data rather than traditional car components and underscore the industry-wide challenge of securing and managing this data.

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Down the road waits misery ... Why cannot death just set me free?

• Amon Amarth - Across the Rainbow Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhqn3QSedwY)

• A McKinsey presentation on the Software Defined Car

• Dave Freiburger on Route 66 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjZEg9IdlRs)

• Amon Amarth - Cry of the Blackbirds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scPMlQLK7yM)

• Freiburger, graffiti, and an evolving art form

• Aicas presentation on methods of packaging/selling the data streaming off cars

• The McKinsey Presenter

• Defining The Software Defined Car

• BMW Heated Seats Debacle (https://www.thedrive.com/news/bmw-is-giving-up-on-heated-seat-subscriptions-because-people-hated-them)

• “Extending the life of the hardware by making the software updateable on the fly”

• The extended lifetime of the B-52 Nuclear Bomber (https://www.19fortyfive.com/2025/04/china-will-freak-the-air-forces-b-52h-will-transform-into-the-b-52j-bomber/)

• Eating the shit sandwich of OTA (Over The Airwaves) Upgrades

• “How Much Compute Does An Edge of Cloud Device Need?”

• Tesla vs. Chevelle article (https://jonsummers.net/2019/09/tesla-vs-bentley-and-gsx-r/)

• Cradle of Filth - Scorched Earth Erotica (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQRIsAkUUYc)

• Hardware Consolidation - brands will merge, powertrain will no longer be the differentiator

• Lidar - doing the work three times not once (https://jonsummers.net/2024/06/ep22-hawkwind-the-history-of-lidar/)

• Cradle of Filth - Her Ghost In The Fog (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRNfeMaUBbo)

• Parallels with the death of the British Motorcycle Industry

• Venom - Black Metal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYg5c_LrsRk)

• The pivot from engineering led business to sales led, and how tragic that is for car design

• ZF visit and the pivot from cogs to software pod (https://jonsummers.net/2023/06/ep9-zf-drifting-tundras-baja-california-and-a-quad-into-an-electric-fence/)

• The Revenue Model Is Business To Business Data Sales

• “Not about performance, but about the journey that you’re on” (barf)

• Wanting to be the kind of person who owns and Subaru in Commercialand

• The car as a TV, where you buy streaming programs

• Paradise Lost - Widow (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6It7pdpk1o)

• The hardware and software in the car needs headroom to come with the over the airwave upgrades

• The inefficiency of today’s OEMs software point solutions

• Monthly ungrades to software, while the hardware has to last 5-10 years

• Software defined = a business model, around selling data

• Security, Software DMZ’s salmon pasta, salad and over the airwaves upgrades to brakes

• Entombed - That’s When I Became a Satanist (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1ms2h1l0Cs)

• Tape Back Up

• Sodom - Agent Orange (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjP2HZ4-5ps)

• James Hunt of Aicas (https://covesa.global/member-profile-aicas/) , and James Hunt, Formula 1 Champion and playboy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hunt)

• Venom - Countess Bathory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-oH2bsfe2k)

• Is AI ready for the intell...Show More

We dive into the world of forbidden fruit—cars that were never officially sold in the U.S. but are now hitting our shores thanks to the 25-year import rule. From turbocharged ...rally monsters to high-revving Asian exotics, these grey market gems have long been the stuff of dreams for American enthusiasts. And now, many of them are finally within reach!

On this episode, we’ll explore the art of the possible, with some special guests! We’re welcoming back Chris Bright, formerly of Collector Part Exchange, along with Jon Summers - The Motoring Historian - and then we’ll round out our fabulous What Should I Buy? panel with veteran members William “Big Money” Ross, Mark “The Data Cruncher” Shank, and the one and only Don Weberg from Garage Style Magazine.

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00:00:00 Exploring Forbidden Fruit: 25-Year Import Rule

00:00:45 Setting the Stage: Gray Market Cars

00:05:53 Diving into JDM Cars

00:17:02 Exploring Holden and Australian Imports

00:21:28 TVR and British Imports

00:33:03 Exploring European Rally and Touring Cars

00:33:35 The Appeal of British Cars

00:41:22 Diving into Italian Cars: Alfa Romeo and Beyond

00:59:36 The Allure of French Cars: Renault, Peugeot, Citroën oh my!

01:14:21 The German Car Market's Hidden Gems

01:23:29 Importing Cars: Tips, Tricks, and Legal Loopholes

01:27:50 Investment Advice for Car Collectors

01:32:33 Lightning Round: Dream "Gray Market" Cars

01:36:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net (https://www.motoringpodcast.net)

• More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ (https://www.motoringpodcast.net/links)

• Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports

• Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ (https://www.gtmotorsports.org/links)Show More

Best of the Bay (Part 5): FINALE - This “decontented” Lucid Air “...that thing is SICK!”

Jon Summers (https://motoringpodcast.net/about/personalities/jon-summers/) is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets ...together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel.

In this episode, Jon provides his insights on the latest vehicles in the 'Best of the Bay' road test series. He discusses and compares three standout cars: the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE, the full-size Range Rover, and the Lucid. The Camry is highlighted for its exceptional combination of performance and value, with characteristics comparable to a Lexus. The Range Rover impresses with its luxurious leather interior and commanding presence, though it is costly. The Lucid, despite being the most technologically advanced car tested and priced at double the Camry, stands out for its futuristic design and performance, making an impression on both Jon and a passerby during the review. John concludes with endorsements for the vehicles based on different consumer preferences.

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• The Donnas - Take It Off (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vni0TzWeEUM)

• “Camry Gonna Camry” - a bit better than you expect, in every respect: price, performance, look and feel inside and outside

• Full Fat Range Rover; the double whammy of the look and smell of the leather so memorable. Only 1 on road driving mode. The most civilized car we drove on the test day, makes you feel like an aristocrat. J can’t do a Rangey though, he already has a corgi!

• Chops Garage (link)

• Lazerhawk - Dream Machine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB3ibdil2UM)

• Episode 1 and driving the 1100hp Lucid to its frightening top speed two years ago

• Lucid decontented: 430hp, no moonroof, 80k not 200k

• The pre-production one in Santana Row vs. the up contented 1100hp with the Restoration Harware (https://rh.com/) Interior

• The decontented car is the best car we drove during BotB

• The awesome calibration of the regen braking - it feels like a big german sedan engine braking at autobahn speeds

• Smooth, Swift and Sprint modes; about power delivery style. J preferred Smooth.

• Makes the Genesis, Rangey feel a last generation

• The Opinion of a Prius Car Camper - “That Thing Is SICK!”

• Overall, the Camry was Best Value; Lucid was Best Car; J would take the Genesis G80 sedan; the Single Best Thing was the Hellcat motor

• Zodiac Mindwarp - Airline Highway (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ZWFcz107k)

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The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net (https://www.motoringpodcast.net)

• More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ (https://www.motoringpodcast.net/links)

• Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports

• Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ (https://www.gtmotorsports.org/links)

Copyright Jon Summers, The Motoring Historian. This content is also available via jonsummers.net. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.Show More

Best of the Bay (Part 4): Fiat 500E, Dodge Durango Hellcat, Acura ZDX

Best of the Bay (Part 3): Three Genesisisises. They’re Good.

Best of the Bay (Part 2): Lexus vs Hyundai

Jon Summers (https://motoringpodcast.net/about/personalities/jon-summers/) is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets ...together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel.

Jon begins Part-2 of his "Best of the Bay" recap with the Lexus GS550, highlighting its luxurious touch points and ideal size. He compares it to the Genesis GV series, favoring the Lexus for its subtle quality. Next, he reviews the Kia Sorento, noting its attractive interior and impressive features, although it falls short of the Lexus in material feel. Jon then examines the Kia Carnival minivan, praising its spacious design and handling. The Hyundai Ioniq 5N impresses him with its unique styling and sporty performance, albeit with a few quirks like a high trunk floor. Finally, he reviews the Elantra N, appreciating its old-school hot hatch feel and responsive handling. Throughout, Jon shares his experiences and observations, providing insight into what sets each vehicle apart.
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• Judas Priest - The Hellion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGtwgYt_QnA)

• Lexus GX550 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1prSZdd5AOQG9NLVUfq2Ylrt_wIDVtDx-/view?usp=sharing) - lovely materials justify the cost. Better quality than Genesis. Loved the giddyup.

• Judas Priest - Rock Hard, Ride Free (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5X4mKdfeUA)

• Kia Sorento - nice looking interior, content awesome, surprisingly stable, responsive at high speed, irritating electric whirr

• Comparing screen treatments

• An aside on Acura ZDX - HUD display worked well

• Kia Carnival - No irritating whirr, tons of space, surprisingly planted in high speed sweeping turns, a modern state of the art minivan

• Judas Priest - The Sentinel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ksksu9JDkg)

• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1TAXNyVSUQ0Wf0t3_Cy03tuFZW1g_b7/view?usp=sharing) - the triangle theme makes the Ioniq 5 an interesting piece of design. Perhaps short changed by driving only on slow roads. The gamification of performance; a 21st century turquoise shell suit of a car, “licence looser”, great value at sub $60k

• Hyundai Elantra N (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dhz5D2UIjPYWNKAkr_2jxCq6A-kJFSq5/view?usp=sharing) - Old school cool hot hatch. Buy this instead of the Ioniq, and save $20k. But a young person’s car. Coped well with emergency braking at high speed.

• Judas Priest - Defenders of the Faith (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8lrCtesIJk)

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The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net (https://www.motoringpodcast.net)

• More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ (https://www.motoringpodcast.net/links)

• Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports

• Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ (https://www.gtmotorsports.org/links)

Copyright Jon Summers, The Motoring Historian. This content is also available via jonsummers.net. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.Show More

Best of the Bay (Part 1): New Cars Road Tested

Jon Summers (https://motoringpodcast.net/about/personalities/jon-summers/) is the Motoring Historian. He was a company car thrashing technology sales rep that turned into a fairly inept sports bike rider. On his show he gets ...together with various co-hosts to talk about new and old cars, driving, motorbikes, motor racing, motoring travel.

In this episode Jon focuses on the 'Best of the Bay 2024' car event. He reminisces about his participation in various Western Automotive Journalists' events and acknowledges the organizers and contributors, especially Michael Coates and Page One Automotive. Jon details the event format, including driving routes and the structure of the test drives. He highlights various vehicles, mentioning the Toyota Camry as the best overall car due to its value, and the Lucid Air as an impressive but expensive option. He also shares his love for more soulful, less efficient older machines compared to modern, efficient cars. Jon ends with a reflection on the emotional connection with vehicles that newer models often lack.
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D.A.D. - Girl Nation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlNu-AwkWzk)

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Thanks to Western Automotive Journailsts (https://waj.org/) and Michael Coates

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Thanks to Page One (https://pageoneauto.com/) , the Press Car suppliers

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Thanks to the OEMs for supplying cars, and nicely specc’d ones too

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J is honest about these cars, lord knows he’s not doing this for the money

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The venue - the Dream Inn, Santa Cruz (https://www.dreaminnsantacruz.com/)

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Pacific Coast Highway 1 San Francisco to Santa Cruz - really an awesome road

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17 cars, timetabled driving slots

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Hill and coastal driving routes allowing high and low speed testing, including sweeping bends

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Judgement to be “the Best At What The Car Set Out To Do”

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J’s Best Car: 2025 Toyota Camry (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e9emIeBEKxKZZuQy_KgsOhTdYh9IKZNI/view?usp=sharing)

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J’s Best, price no object: 2025 Lucid Air (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1035ggFZ2-tQrSCkg81khzj0Uqgvnqjcw/view?usp=sharing)

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If It Was J’s Money: 2025 Genesis G80

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2025 Fiat 500e - basic, but adequate

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Many good cars, some great ones, no terrible ones

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But none are as cool as the ‘91 Gixxer - 750 not a 1000 like I say - I rode before this recording

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As the machines get more efficient, they become less intereting

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Judas Priest - Free Wheel Burning (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-vZrzbE9f4)

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The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net (https://www.motoringpodcast.net)

• More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/ (https://www.motoringpodcast.net/links)

• Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports

• Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/ (https://www.gtmotorsports.org/links)

Copyright Jon Summers, The Motoring Historian. This content is also available via jonsummers.net. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.Show More